A thrilling twist in the world of motorsports has everyone talking! Max Verstappen, the four-time world champion, is eyeing a unique challenge at the Nurburgring 24 Hours, but there's a catch. The race's date is clashing with the Chinese Grand Prix, and that's where the story gets interesting.
Mercedes, in a bold move, is advocating for a postponement of the NLS season opener to ensure Verstappen's participation. With the support of Mercedes-Benz boss Ola Kallenius and motorsport chief Toto Wolff, they're leaving no stone unturned. But here's where it gets controversial: the NLS boss, Mike Jager, has confirmed that a request for postponement has been made, but the final decision is yet to be announced.
The potential postponement is a delicate matter, as it involves navigating various interests and blocked dates. If approved, the race would be pushed back by a week, creating an exciting window between the F1 races in China and Japan. Jager emphasized the need for a decision that suits everyone involved.
And this is the part most people miss: Verstappen's AMG team for the 24-hour race is a carefully curated group. He's reportedly assembling his own team, with DTM runner-up Lucas Auer, a familiar face from their Formula 3 days, and sim racer Chris Lulham, his NLS victory partner, as likely candidates. Mercedes works driver Jules Gounon and veteran Daniel Juncadella are also said to be part of the plan.
However, there's a potential veto against Maro Engel, one of the fastest Nordschleife drivers. After a social media spat following Verstappen's Nurburgring test, it seems Engel might not make the cut. The reason? Engel's claim that Verstappen's top times were due to a favorable balance of performance from the DTM.
Verstappen's preparation is intense. He's been accumulating mileage in a Mercedes-AMG GT3, even skipping Ford's F1 launch in Detroit. The effort paid off, as he experienced varying weather conditions in the Algarve, similar to those in the Eifel region.
So, what do you think? Should the NLS season opener be postponed to accommodate Verstappen's participation? Is this a fair move, or does it set a precedent that could impact the sport? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
